Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. If a driver racks up three or more serious violations in a CMV over three years, how long is the CDL lost?

   Correct answer: At least 120 days

   Three or more serious violations within three years bring a disqualification of at least 120 days.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Serious Traffic Violations)

2. 2. For a first offense of driving a CMV with a BAC of .04 percent or higher, how long will you lose your CDL?

   Correct answer: At least one year

   A first alcohol-related offense costs you your CDL for at least one year.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Alcohol, Leaving the Scene, and Commission of a Felony)

3. 3. How long will you lose your CDL if a first alcohol offense happens while you are driving a vehicle placarded for hazardous materials?

   Correct answer: At least three years

   If the offense occurs while operating a placarded hazmat vehicle, the disqualification is at least three years.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Alcohol, Leaving the Scene, and Commission of a Felony)

4. 4. How long must you hold an original commercial learner's permit before you can take the skills test?

   Correct answer: At least 14 days

   You have to keep a first-issued commercial learner's permit for a minimum of 14 days before qualifying to attempt the CDL skills exam.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Licensing Procedures (Commercial Learner's Permits)

5. 5. How long will a driver lose the CDL for a first out-of-service order violation?

   Correct answer: At least 90 days

   A first out-of-service order violation costs you your CDL for at least 90 days.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Violation of Out-of-Service Orders)

6. 6. How often does a South Carolina CDL expire if the driver does not hold a hazmat endorsement?

   Correct answer: Every 8 years

   A CDL without a hazmat endorsement expires every 8 years from the date it was issued.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Licensing Procedures (Expiration of License)

7. 7. How long will you lose your CDL for committing two serious traffic violations in a CMV within a three-year period?

   Correct answer: At least 60 days

   Two serious traffic violations within three years cost you your CDL for at least 60 days.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Serious Traffic Violations)

8. 8. What can happen if you are caught holding more than one driver license?

   Correct answer: A court fine up to $5,000 or jail

   Holding more than one license can bring a court fine of up to $5,000 or jail, and the extra licenses can be taken away.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Other CDL Rules)

9. 9. What score must you achieve to pass a CDL knowledge test?

   Correct answer: 80 percent or higher

   The written or oral knowledge test is passed with a score of 80 percent or higher.

   Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Licensing Procedures (Knowledge Examinations)

10. 10. How is a Class B vehicle described in the license classifications?

    Correct answer: A single heavy vehicle rated 26,001 pounds or more

    Class B covers a single vehicle rated 26,001 pounds or more, or such a vehicle towing another not over 10,000 pounds.

    Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (CDL Classifications)

11. 11. What is the consequence of a second major alcohol or drug offense involving a CMV?

    Correct answer: Loss of the CDL for life

    A second such offense results in losing your CDL for life.

    Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (Alcohol, Leaving the Scene, and Commission of a Felony)

12. 12. Which vehicles fall under Class A of the commercial license classification?

    Correct answer: Combinations rated 26,001 pounds or more towing over 10,000 pounds

    Class A covers combination vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more when the towed unit's rating is over 10,000 pounds.

    Source: South Carolina CDL Manual — Section 1: Introduction (CDL Classifications)